However, my desire to continue exploring how people experience institutions in our democracy through the lens of race, gender and class made me realize a masters (MA) program had the potential to make me an even better relationship builder in my field.
I chose to pursue an MA in Black Humanities at the University of Bristol because of its rich academic environment, interdisciplinary focus and renowned faculty that could support my research interests. The United Kingdom, and Bristol in particular, have deep historical ties to the Transatlantic Slave Trade, with Bristol once serving as a major port in the trafficking of enslaved Africans. Bristol is a critical site for examining the legacies of slavery and colonialism in my research on how race, beauty and politics manifest in the daily lives of Afro-Caribbean and West African women. I was overjoyed when I was notified of my acceptance to the University of Bristol and the U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission. However, the good news would come with bad news that my MA in Black Humanities program would be discontinued for the 2025-26 academic year, and I would need to pivot to a new program to keep my Fulbright grant.
With the support of faculty from the Centre for Black Humanities, I found a new intellectual home in the Department of Anthropology, which allowed me to move forward with my studies. Anthropology is the grassroots study of humanity and human societies. As a seasoned organizer, I was excited to finally be able to bring my organizing skills and research background to the forefront of my studies.
By the time this article is published, I will already be halfway through my first semester as a graduate student in Anthropology. I arrived in the U.K.
